Kentucky Bluegrass of the Crimson Variety

Kentucky head football coach Rich Brooks used the word “scary” when describing how to prepare for the No. 3 ranked University of Alabama Crimson Tide. Coach Brooks has been around the “football block” a few times, and he knows “scary” when it becomes visible.

After an easy win against Miami (Ohio) the Wildcats won a nail-biter against Louisville. However, the 2-0 start soon came crashing down at the hands of the top ranked Florida Gators. The ‘Cats enter the contest with Alabama with a record of
2-1, but Kentucky will face yet another “Goliath” on Saturday.

Kentucky is led by quarterback Mike Hartline and receiver Randall Cobb. The Wildcats have a decent ground game, but Kentucky will need an “air attack” in order to be successful against Alabama. Hartline and the Kentucky offense are not as productive and dangerous as the Arkansas offense led by Ryan Mallett, but the Wildcats do have talent.

On the other side of the ball the Alabama defense will be without linebacker Dont’a Hightower for this game, and most likely for the remainder of the season. Hightower, who was injured against Arkansas, will have surgery on his left knee to repair ligament damage. However, even without the services of Hightower, Alabama is fairly deep at the linebacker spot and I expect the absence of Hightower to have no obvious effect on the Tide defense.

The key to the Alabama offense is to maintain the status quo. If it ain’t broke…well, you know the rest. The Crimson Tide offense is very potent thanks to a solid air and ground game. The same offensive notion that proved fruitful against Arkansas will be the same concept that will derail Kentucky.

The contest in Lexington will be the first “true” road game for the Crimson Tide in 2009. Regardless of the venue, Alabama is clearly the superior team and should have no problem with the Wildcats.

Prediction: Alabama 49 Kentucky 16

Kickoff for the ‘Bama/Kentucky game is set for 11:21 a.m. central time on the SEC Network. Be sure to check your local affiliate for the station in your area.